Opinions wanted for AKV check in date!

[mlacreta]

Hi all. In a couple weeks I am hoping to make a reservation for a value 2bedrm at AKV for september. I could start the reservation on either the wensday or thursday after labor day. I am hoping to request a savannah view since there are a couple in that category. Anyone have any input on which day I might have a better chance on being on the top of the list at check in? That's how it works right? Whoever checks in first gets the request? Friday would be easier as far as hubby's time off from work and the kids missing school but if a thurs check in would give me a better chance then we would make the sacrifice!!! Anyone think it would make a difference? thanks!

 

[jenedpey]

Our experience this past summer (June 2008) was the rooms were pre-assigned. We checked into two value studios, one ended up being Savanah view and one wasn't. Since the rooms are booked solid, the only way they can switch with a different room is when check-in and check-out dates align. Since there are so few value rooms, it is hard for them to swap things around at the hotel.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You can make the request, but it wont make any difference anyway. If you are going to stay value, take your chances and conisider yourself lucky should you get one of the savanna view rooms.

 

[mlacreta]

Oh..yes..I would consider us soooo lucky if that happened! Even if we had a parking lot view I like the location of the rooms being close to the front and all. With 5 kids to lug everywhere it will be great not to trek from the furthest rooms. And I know we can walk around and see the animals too. So we'll be happy no matter where we end up but like I said...what a perk that would be! In this economy I'm just thankful we can sqeeze out the funds to go at all!!! Thank goodness for tax refunds!!! If the rooms are deffinatly pre-asigned that would save me the desire to get there really early on check in anyway and maybe catch a later flight! Of corse I doubt anyone in the house will sleep much the night before anyway!

 

[rsimon]

Oh..yes..I would consider us soooo lucky if that happened! Even if we had a parking lot view I like the location of the rooms being close to the front and all. With 5 kids to lug everywhere it will be great not to trek from the furthest rooms. And I know we can walk around and see the animals too. So we'll be happy no matter where we end up but like I said...what a perk that would be! In this economy I'm just thankful we can sqeeze out the funds to go at all!!! Thank goodness for tax refunds!!! If the rooms are deffinatly pre-asigned that would save me the desire to get there really early on check in anyway and maybe catch a later flight! Of corse I doubt anyone in the house will sleep much the night before anyway!

The rooms are assigned by AK a few weeks out from arrival. They assign rooms based first on check-in date (not time) and then by the order the reservations were made. For example, if you check in on a Wednesday, you will get preference over someone checking in on Thursday. On that Wednesday, the person who booked first will get preference so if you booked at your 11-month window, there is a good chance you would have preference on the Wednesday check-ins.

Found this all out recently with our experience and so checking in on off days ahead of a busy week is a good idea, but checking in in the middle of a busy week will most likely won't get you what you want because the people that checked in on days prior to yours will have the "preferred" rooms already.

 

[mlacreta]

Thanks..that was so helpful! I guess now I just have to decide which day would have better odds rather than worry about getting there really early! I don't think that will be a busy week for check ins so maybe i can wait till thurs. I wonder if when I call to make the reservation if MS would tell me if those days have been booked already even if they aren't booked solid. We'll see I guess! I wonder if you can even call a week ahead just to see what they assigned you...

 

[lundve]

Our past trip we arrived on a Wednesday. If you are flying this has always been a small travel day for us. MCO was not really crowded and we were able to get on Magical Express quickly too.